Do Not Disturb

I stayed at a hotel recently and I’m always fascinated with the little “Do not disturb” signs you hang on the outside door handle. You know me and my wacky sense of humor. I always think, “What are you telling people when you don’t hang it on your door? Disturb me please? Yes, even though we are all strangers to each other, please feel free to disturb me.” So I always hang it out because who wants any Tom, Dick, or Harry to disturb you? Not me.

Anyway, this brings me to the seventh happy beatitude:

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9

The word “peacemaker” here is used as an adjective. It is supposed to describe us. We are supposed to be able to put it front of our name to define our character. We are not just to keep the peace as a status quo but we are supposed to make peace everywhere we go. We are in essence a walking “Do not disturb” sign.

“Peacemaker” is only used this one time in this way in the whole New Testament. So you know Jesus was serious when He said this as an instruction for daily living.

If verse 7 is the “mercy” verse, then this verse 9 is the grace verse. Mercy = not giving a punishment that is due. Grace = giving a reward not due. And that is just what peacemakers do. We are supposed to come into situations and give peace where there is no peace, love where there is no love, comfort where there is not comfort and Jesus where there is no Jesus. Grace (peace) is a giving gift not a receiving gift.

If we can bring these peace blessings to others Jesus said in this verse that we will be called God’s kids. Not only can we claim our family heritage in Christ but we will even look like our Father God.

When all around us is chaos we can continue God’s message that He gave to the shepherds at Christ’s birth:

Peace on earth and good will to all blessed people..

And just before Christ went back to heaven He said:

Peace I give to you, My peace I give to you.

From the beginning to the end of Jesus’ life on earth and beyond into eternity there is the call to the peacemakers.

Here is a quote I found in a commentary:

“Peacemakers are happy. They love, desire, and delight in making peace. They maintain peace in peaceful situations and recover it when situations are in disarray. If peacemakers are blessed then woe to the peacebreakers!”

Wow, this do not disturb is serious stuff!